E-Passport in India: Meaning, Benefits and Features

Passports are an essential document for travelling across borders. To modernise international travel and simplify the verification process, the Indian government has launched e-passports. These are traditional paper passports embedded with an electronic chip that contains the personal details of the passport holder. It helps streamline and speed up immigration processes. For individuals who frequently travel abroad, it can be beneficial to learn about electronic passports.

What is an e-Passport?

An e-passport is a travel document that is embedded with a microchip. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric information. It generally contains the basic details, fingerprints and demographics. This chip is scanned whenever you pass through immigration checks at the airport, making the clearance process easier, faster and safer.

These chip-based e-passport uses metrics and Radio-Frequency identification (RFID) to prevent the unauthorised transfer of any data. This keeps your information and biometrics secured against any theft or forgery.

Benefits of getting an electronic passport

To Indian travellers, upgrading to an e-passport means more benefits. These include:

• Improved identity protection: The chip embedded in the e-passport makes it harder for unauthorised parties to alter or duplicate personal information.
• Faster immigration clearance: Automated systems read the chip quickly, reducing queues at airports.
• Global acceptance: e-Passports meet international standards, ensuring seamless verification.
• Reduced risk of fraud: The encrypted biometric data helps authorities confirm a traveller’s authenticity.

What are the key features of an e-Passport?

Electronic passports are designed to enhance security and streamline verification. Key features include:

• Biometric data: e-passports securely store the biometric information, including fingerprints and iris scans, on a chip.
• Digital authentication: Uses the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution, which ensures secure digital authentication during immigration verification.
• Storage capacity: To store your information and biometrics seamlessly, the e-passport has the storage capacity of 64 kilobytes.
• Digital signature: This helps confirm your identity, reducing the risk of tampering with your passport.

Who can apply for an e-passport?

Here is who can apply for an e-passport:

• Adults and minors, when applying for new passports, can choose an e-passport while submitting their forms.
• Individuals whose current passports are expiring can opt for an e-passport when renewing their passports.

Difference between e-passport and regular passport

Key differences between electronic and regular passports include:

Steps for an electronic passport application

Here is how to apply for an e-passport online.

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.

Step 2: If you are a new user, then click register; else, log in using your credentials.

Step 3: Choose your e-passport application type, whether you need a new passport or to upgrade an existing traditional passport.

Step 4: Fill in the requested details and upload documents.

Step 5: Pay for the passport application fees.

Step 6: Choose a suitable time slot at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Step 7: On your scheduled slot, visit the PSK office to complete the other formalities, such as collecting biometrics and verifying documents.

Documents required for an e-Passport in India

Here is the list of required documents for an e-passport:

• Identity proof, such as Aadhaar card, Pan Card, voter ID, etc.
• Address proof, like a utility bill, Aadhaar card, bank statement, etc.
• Date of birth proof, like a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.
• Existing passports (in case of renewal applications).
• Recent passport-size photographs.

Role of travel insurance in e-Passport application

Having an e-passport enables seamless international travel. Although travel insurance is not mandatory for applying for an e-passport, buying international travel insurance is critical to get financial protection against unexpected events when abroad. Travel insurance gives financial security for situations, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation or delays, passport and baggage loss.

Conclusion

The initiation of e-passports marks a major step toward enhancing travel efficiency and security. With features like embedded microchips and biometric data, they offer faster processing at immigration counters and improved protection against forgery.

To add an additional layer of protection against unforeseen situations, having travel insurance online can make your travel worry-free.

FAQs

• How do I know if my passport is an e-Passport?

An e-passport contains an embedded microchip and usually has a small chip logo printed on the front cover.

• Can I use my e-Passport for visa-free entry?

It depends on the destination country and bilateral agreements. It is advisable to check the visa rules of the country you plan to visit.

• Do I need to pay extra for an e-Passport?

The fee structure of an e-passport typically depends on the type of application, such as a fresh application, a renewal or Tatkal.

• How to check an e-Passport online?

You can check an e-passport status online using the application reference number on the Passport Seva Portal.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.